Final hearing for workers' comp bill

The Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii said Monday that Hawaii workers' compensation law "needs some improvements" but urged the House not to adopt changes now before it.

Senate Bill 1060 was to go before its last committee Tuesday afternoon, and on the eve of the hearing by the House Finance Committee the business community mobilized to testify against its proposed change to the rules of paying workers' comp benefits.

"As business owners and managers, we recognize the importance of a healthy and safe work environment," said Jim Tollefson, president of the chamber. "We acknowledge that workers' compensation law needs some improvements. However, we believe this bill does not adequately address some of the issues. Therefore, we recommend a more prudent approach be taken, which would include all parties coming together to develop a more workable and mutually agreeable bill next session."

Senate Bill 1060 would limit an employer's ability to terminate benefits. It sets up a new practice for settling disputes in which the employee can extend paid leave for weeks by challenging the credentials of a company doctor.

"The bill specifies procedures and imposes unnecessary reporting obligations on employers, which will hurt businesses, especially small businesses, as many do not have staff to undertake this mandatory obligation," Tollefson said.